Baton Rouge, LA Meeting Planning Overview

Baton Rouge is Louisiana's "Capital City" and the hub of all things Louisiana. With a prime central location, Baton Rouge is the perfect city to explore the eclectic culture of this amazing state. Louisiana's Capital City highlights the unique history, music, culture, and outdoors that both visitors to Louisiana and locals enjoy.

Just a short drive from New Orleans and Lafayette, Baton Rouge is a melting pot of French, Spanish, Creole, and Native American roots. Nicknamed the “Red Stick,” Baton Rouge houses over 300 years of history, much of which can be tasted in the food, seen in the architecture, and learned through the state's history. For those traveling by plane, the city is home to Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, which offers nonstop access to major cities and connecting service throughout the world. Additionally, nearby Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans offers even more travel options on nine major carriers and soon-to-be-resumed international flights.

Once in the city, guests are met with over 10,000 hotel rooms. From full-service hotel chains to historic cottages to budget-friendly inns, properties of all price points line the pedestrian-friendly streets of downtown. For quicker travel, a convenient free downtown trolley service can ferry guests among hotels, top attractions, restaurants, and meeting venues of all kinds.

About Baton Rouge, LA / Additional Info

Situated on the banks of the Mississippi River, Baton Rouge is Louisiana's capital and most populous city with nearly 230,000 residents. Spanning approximately 79.1 square miles, it is one of the southernmost capital cities in the lower 48 United States along with Tallahassee, Florida, and Austin, Texas. A magnificent blend of past and present, Baton Rouge shines with all the sophistication of a modern city while holding steadfast to the graceful charms of its Southern roots.

Baton Rouge bore the colors of a number of different flags before being incorporated as a U.S. city in 1817. In fact, the city dates back 300 years to when, in 1699, French explorer Sieur d'Iberville named the region during an expedition along the Mississippi River. The one-time home of the French, the English, the Spanish and the Confederacy, Baton Rouge is an exciting medley of cultural influences. From Cajun and Creole to antebellum homes and Zydeco dancing, the city is a tapestry of converging cultures sure to enchant visitors from across the country.

Guests often begin their journey into Baton Rouge's vibrant past by stopping by one of the many historic sites and attractions dotted across the city. See Louis Armstrong's bugle and the four-pounder gun used in the Battle of New Orleans at the captivating Capitol Park Museum. Or, take a step back in time at one of the city's lovingly-preserved plantation homes. From the Magnolia Mound Plantation to the Blythewood Plantation and the Nottoway Plantation, these glorious estates impart a true taste of the lives of Baton Rouge's past residents.

As Baton Rouge's colorful history enlightens guests, its opportunities for entertainment and adventure energizes them. Visitors can experience a legendary escape at one of Baton Rouge's premier gaming and entertainment properties at L'Auberge Casino & Hotel. Or, visitors can get out on the water in an entirely different setting, the Louisiana Bayou. Swamp tours are another option for guests looking to get up-close and personal to the native animals of residents of the area's wetlands.

For sports enthusiasts, Baton Rouge is a delight with plenty of golfing and fishing options. Its collegiate athletics are also top-notch, including the championship-winning LSU Tigers football team and the Southern University Jaguars. In the southern United States, college football is important, but even more important is what happens before the game—the tailgating. Baton Rouge likes to think of itself as the Tailgating Capital of the World. If you visit during the fall, you simply cannot miss this unique experience. Picture this: tailgates inundating campus, grills firing up, drinks being poured and loud music playing. Feast your eyes on groups of fans firing up vats of jambalaya, gumbo, crawfish étouffée, fried alligator and more!

Beautiful Baton Rouge has a semi-tropical climate characterized by sultry summers and mild, short-lived winters. A year-round destination, Baton Rouge's annual average temperature is a pleasant 67.5°F. Temperatures in winter average a modest 52°F, while summer temperatures average 81.3°F. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year with an average annual accumulation of 55 inches.

With warm temperatures throughout the year, anytime is a good time to visit Baton Rouge. However, the absolute best time to go is during the spring and fall. Thanks to cool, breezy nights and warm, sunny days, visitors can take in the majestic blooms and exciting outdoor adventures of this welcoming Southern city.

Baton Rouge, LA Airport Information

Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR)

Approximate taxi fare: $25 USD

Located just four miles north of the downtown district, Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport provides easy access to the city and its vast attractions. The airport offers non-stop service to major cities across the United States including Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Houston.

Nestled within the airport's two terminals are numerous amenities including restaurants and shops, a business center, a conference room and free wireless Internet access. For passenger convenience, the airport also offers 1,300 parking spaces.

Airline carriers serving Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport

American Airlines

United Airlines

Delta

Northwest Airlines

Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY)

Approximate taxi fare: $167 USD

Located just 70 miles away from downtown, New Orleans' Louis Armstrong International Airport is another option for traveling to Baton Rouge. Amenities abound at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Advanced baggage check-in, free wireless Internet access, tax-free shopping, lounges and financial services are all available to make the passenger experience more comfortable. The airport offers service to over 30 cities across the country. Nine major carriers, including American, Delta, Southwest and United, operate out of Louis Armstrong International.

Baton Rouge, LA Public Transportation

Capital Area Transit System (CATS)

Baton Rouge's Capital Area Transit System operates a network of buses known as CATS. Buses provide easy access to all parts of the city as well as to LSU and Southern University. Overall, CATS offers 17 routes throughout the city.

Regular one way fare is $1.75 per adult and $0.35 for seniors.

Capital Park Trolley Service

As part of the downtown development project, Baton Rouge offers a free, convenient trolley service. The trolley cars make 20 stops at major points of interest throughout the downtown area including the River Center, Old State Capitol, Old Governor's Mansion and the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino.

Trolleys run Monday through Friday from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Fare is free.

Rental Cars

Visitors to Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport can find the desks for car rental companies just past the baggage claim area. Representatives from Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty are available to assist arriving guests.

Passengers traveling from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport will find the desks for Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty on the lower level of the airport.

Taxis

Taxi cab service is available from both Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Taxis can be found lined up outside the baggage claim areas of both airports.

Approximate fare from Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport to downtown Baton Rouge is $25. Taxi service from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to downtown Baton Rouge is approximately $167.

Hotel Transportation Accommodations

Several Baton Rouge hotels offer complimentary shuttle service to guests throughout their stay, as well as free parking.